Matthew: The Parable of Soil

The message of the kingdom of God is going forth from the mouth of God. It is accomplishing what God desires it to do – to be revealed and concealed; to be believed and rejected. This fulfills why God sent it (Isaiah 55.10-11). Jesus explains the mystery of the kingdom with a story that would have been known to its hearers (both the crowd and disciples). The story reveals the working of the Sovereignty of God and the human responsibility of mankind. Jesus illustrates the various responses to the message of the kingdom emphasizing the soil – the heart of man, which is the place of decision. There are different responses for different reasons, but two clear conclusions: God will be merciful to some and they will believe in their heart, while others will face God’s
judgment and never repent.